The natural history of Tourette syndrome: a follow-up study

Ann Neurol. 1987 Sep;22(3):383-5. doi: 10.1002/ana.410220317.

Abstract

Initial reports described Tourette syndrome as a lifelong disorder. Since then, others have noted that some patients experience remissions during late adolescence. To examine this issue, we sent questionnaires to 99 patients with Tourette syndrome who were 15 to 25 years old. The majority of the 58 respondents indicated that they had fewer tics as they reached late adolescence or young adulthood. Although most reported associated behavior or learning problems, the majority felt they were coping well. The long-term outcome in many patients with Tourette syndrome may be more optimistic than previously reported.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior
  • Adult
  • Aging / physiology
  • Clonidine / therapeutic use
  • Fluphenazine / therapeutic use
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Haloperidol / adverse effects
  • Haloperidol / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Learning Disabilities / complications
  • Learning Disabilities / psychology
  • Tic Disorders / complications
  • Tic Disorders / physiopathology
  • Tourette Syndrome / complications*
  • Tourette Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Tourette Syndrome / psychology

Substances

  • Haloperidol
  • Clonidine
  • Fluphenazine